I was, but am changed since one-half hour ago. 

 Mabel: 

 The change is too sudden to be of much worth; The deepest convictions are slowest of birth. Conversion, I hold, to be earnest and lasting, Begins with repentance and praying and fasting, And (begging your pardon for such a bold speech), You seem, sir, a stranger to all and to each Of these ways of salvation. 

 Roger: 

 Since yesterday, miss, When, unseen, I first saw you (believe me in this), I have deeply repented my sins of the past. To-night I will pray, and to-morrow will fast— Or, make it next week, when my shore appetite May be somewhat subdued in its ravenous might. 

Since yesterday, miss,

 Maurice: 

 That's the way of the orthodox sinner! He waits Until time or indulgence or misery sates All his appetites, then his repentance begins, When his sins cease to please, then he gives up his sins And grows pious. Now prove you are morally brave By actually giving up something you crave! We have fricasseed chicken and strawberry cake For our dinner to-day. 

 Roger: 

 For dear principle's sake I could easily do what you ask, were it not Most unkind to Miss Ruth, who gave labor and thought To that menu, preparing it quite to my taste. 

For dear principle's sake

 Ruth: 

 But the thought and the dinner will both go to waste, If we linger here longer; and Mabel, I see, Is impatient to go to her duties. 

 Roger: 

 The bee Is reluctant to turn from the lily although The lily may obviously wish he would go And leave her to muse in the sunlight alone. Yet when the rose calls him, his sorrow, I own, Has its recompense. So from delight to delight I fly with my wings honeyladen. Good night. 

The bee

Good night.

 

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